Modern Antiquity

A blog by Lisa McDaniel

It was the day we decided to take a chance on ourselves, the day we coined the term “Our Family Gap Year.” Overstimulated. Overbooked. Desensitized to our sense of wonder. Always looking down at a screen. Rarely looking up at the sky. These are unfortunate, but common issues for families these days, and we were [...]

Cheesy, I know. But I’ve been waiting months to write that! This blog post is a love letter to anyone with a fear of shiny things that sparkle and glimmer. I’ve heard it all. “That chandelier is too…much.” “Nope. That light is too old-fashioned.” “I like rustic metals. And chandeliers are just .”too…girly.” “No way. [...]

This project was an unfamiliar experience for a number of reasons. First, it was a hardcore renovation, a switch from the shiney new construction we’re typically asked to build. And perhaps even more unusually, it was a project jointly undertaken with friends. We loved both of these new notions--fun all the way around. But after [...]

The Restoration Business—it’s not what you think. I bet you’re thinking this is another post about construction, huh? Nope, it’s not. Not today. It’s about restoration of a different sort altogether. Confession time—life has been a bit too busy for me lately. The long lists of to do’s, the hectic pace of my day, the [...]

Confession time. A few mornings ago I woke up feeling rather worn for the wear. My heart was heavy as the holidays were drawing to a close. The kids would be back at school in a few short days. Regrettably, we hadn’t had as much family time together as we’d hoped we would. While I [...]

Bold Colors. Make it POP. Ever bought an accessory or piece of furniture that blended perfectly with your room’s color palette, only to find it bland and boring once you got it home? Or better still, have you ever felt dissatisfied after choosing a neutral color instead of a fun one, because you were [...]

I'm not entirely certain when or how it happened, but color is one of my emotional sweet spots. The right wall color evokes strong reactions from me. I see a bright yellow flower, and I'm immediately happy. Scarlet lipstick conjures mental images of my beautiful mother and her feminine stilettos. A soft blue sky soothes [...]

Our Season of Thankfulness came a little early this year. It was unexpected, uninvited, and veiled in unlikely disguise. Beau and I discovered the most profound reason for gratitude in the wake of muddy Louisiana flood. Community. Ours is remarkable, more like one big family. And regardless of how historians will one day recount the [...]

Without my even realizing it, the shabby shop on Rees Street assumed a life of her own. The ole dame is no longer a raggedy, run-down building, but rather she is now a snazzy little number, and she’s dressed to take the world by storm. A couple of weeks ago I slid my brand [...]

Lisa McDaniel

Lisa and her husband, Beau, are co-owners of C.Mac Construction and Antiquity. Through individualized collaboration with clients, Lisa helps design houses specific to the form and function of each particular family. Her mission is inspiring families to use creativity and originality when bringing to life the spaces they will soon call home.

Lisa McDaniel

Lisa and her husband, Beau, are co-owners of C.Mac Construction and Antiquity. Through individualized collaboration with clients, Lisa helps design houses specific to the form and function of each particular family. Her mission is inspiring families to use creativity and originality when bringing to life the spaces they will soon call home.